What: LA Opera's 2009/10 season opens with one of the most beloved of all operatic romantic comedies, Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore (The Elixir of Love). The simple farm worker Nemorino sets out to win the heart of the wealthy landowner Adina from his rival, the dashing Sergeant Belcore, with a little help from Dr. Dulcamara's miraculous "elixir of love." With sparkling gaiety and genuine warmth, this bel canto masterpiece beautifully counterpoises tragic and comic elements to create an opera of both heartfelt poignancy and unfettered joy.

Who: James Conlon, LA Opera's Richard Seaver Music Director, conducts. The cast includes Italian tenor Giuseppe Filianoti* as Nemorino in his LA Opera debut, the fast-rising Georgian soprano Nino Machaidze* in her U.S. debut as Adina, baritone Nathan Gunn as Sergeant Belcore, Italian bass Ruggero Raimondi* in his LA Opera debut as Doctor Dulcamara and soprano Valerie Vinzant+ as Giannetta. Stephen Lawless returns to direct a production that he created for LA Opera in 1996 and revived in 1999. Scenery and costumes are designed by Johan Engels with lighting designed by Joan Sullivan-Genthe. The associate conductor / chorus master is Grant Gershon. (* = LA Opera debut; + = member of Domingo-Thornton Young Artist Program)

When: Gala Season Opening Night Performance: Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 6:00pmAdditional evening performances: September 15, 22, 25 and 30 at 7:30pmMatinee performances: September 20 and 27 at 2:00pm

Tickets: Tickets to L'Elisir d'Amore (The Elixir of Love) range from $20 to $260, and can be purchased beginning July 26 in person at the LA Opera Box Office, by phone at (213) 972-8001 or online at www.LAOpera.comProduction made possible by a generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. Milan Panic.Additional support from The Seaver Endowment.